1850 Thr Zoologist — October, 1869. 



Arctic Skua, S. parasiticus (Litm.)— Most common in spring and 

 fall. This and the preceding are called " dung birds" by the settlers, 

 evidently from the manner in which they persecute the smaller species 

 of Laridoi, and devour not only their disgorged food but also their 

 fceces. 



BuforCs Skua, S. cepphus (^n<wH.)— Appeared to be a rather rare 

 periodical migrant, but it is difficult to distinguish the three skuas on 

 wing, even with the aid of a good glass ; from specimens obtained 

 this species seems to be the rarest. 



Glaucous Gull, Larus glaucus, 5>m«;/.— Tolerably common in its 

 periodical migrations, especially in the fall of the year, and during 

 strong gales of north-westerly winds. It is called the " large ice gull." 



White-winged Gull, L. Icucopterus, Fnher. — Like the preceding 

 species a periodical migrant, and most common in the fall of the year. 



Great Blackbacked Gull, L. marinus, Liini. — A common summer 

 migrant, arriving towards the last of April and remaining until the 

 drift-ice appears. It builds its nest of grass and rushes on rocks and 

 small islands, most commonly in fresh-water ponds and lakes, but very 

 frequently in similar situations in bays, &c. Provincial name, 

 " Saddler Gull." 



Herring Gull,* L. argentatus, Brunn. — Abundant throughout the 

 summer, and breeds in similar situations, and often in company with 

 the preceding and following species. It is called the "blue gull" by 

 the settlers. 



Ring-billed Gull, L. dclawarensis, Ord. — Common throughout the 

 summer. Provincial name, " squeezy gull." All the above species of 

 Larus are carnivorous, but more especially L. glaucus a.\u\ L. tnarinuft. 

 No sooner does a dead or dying bird appear on the surface of the 

 water (the raven generally secures such prizes when washed a«hore) 

 than it is quickly espied by the gulls, which immediately commence 

 squalling and in circling flights surveying their victim. Should it prove 

 to be a goose or duck, or even one of their own species, the " old 

 sadfWcr'" {L. marinus) usually commences operations; this it docs, 

 if the bird is quite dead, by standing on the floating body and picking 

 first the neck and then the breast, and in a wonderfully short time the 

 gulls devour every part of a fine fat goose except the bones and 

 feathers : 1 have often watched the process in, I fear, a rather dog- 



* Professor Newton informs me " that the American form of this bird lias been of 

 late regarded as distinct under ibe name of L. Smilhsonianus." 



